Purgative: meaning, definitions and examples

Same as the first entry for 'purgative'.

• The doctor prescribed a purgative to relieve the patient's constipation.
• They used a strong purgative to clear the digestive tract before the procedure.

Commonly used in everyday language and pharmacy to talk about over-the-counter or prescription substances that help relieve constipation.

• She bought a mild laxative at the drugstore to help with her digestion.
• The label on the package clearly indicated that the pills were a type of laxative.

Mostly used in a religious or metaphorical context to describe something that resembles purgatory – a state of suffering and waiting. It can describe experiences that are challenging and seem to have no end.

• The long, hot summer without air conditioning was purgatorial for the tenants.
• He described the bureaucratic process as purgatorial, with endless paperwork and long waiting times.

Often used metaphorically to describe an emotional or psychological release. It can also refer to the medical use of substances that cleanse the bowels, but it's more commonly used in everyday language to talk about emotional experiences.

• Watching that movie was a cathartic experience for her, helping her let go of past traumas.
• Writing in her journal every night served as a cathartic way to process her emotions.